Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has said he hopes new striker Mario Balotelli can be involved in the Reds' next game, a Premier League trip to White Hart Lane to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday lunchtime.

Balotelli was present at the Etihad Stadium last night as his new side faced Manchester City, but the result wasn't the one Liverpool wanted as they went down 3-1 to the reigning Premier League champions.

Henderson told the Liverpool Echo after the game: “Everyone is looking forward to working with Mario.

“He's a very talented striker and a big player. Hopefully he'll give us all a big lift and be able to play some part in the next game.

“He was in the dressing room before the game wishing everyone luck. Hopefully he can get a week's training under his belt and be involved against Tottenham.”

The signing of Balotelli certainly gives Liverpool more options ahead of their trip to North London on Sunday.

The Reds have been playing with just the one striker playing through the middle in Daniel Sturridge in the early stages of the season but in both games they have shown they carry more of a threat when playing with two up front - evident when Rickie Lambert has been introduced into the action.

So it would be an option for Balotelli to play alongside Sturridge up front against Spurs in order to give the side more presence in the final third - but it also allows Brendan Rodgers to have more options ahead of the game.

Liverpool know they face a very difficult encounter when they travel to Spurs with Mauricio Pochettino's side making an impressive start to the season - winning their opening two Premier League games without conceding a goal.

Should Balotelli start against Tottenham?

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.